If you’re in Sydney for business, or simply enjoy fine clothes, art and food, Surry Hills’ Reservoir Street should be on your radar.
Sogo (South of Goulburn Street) is what some locals call this quiet, residential-looking strip of Surry Hills that is an inconspicuous hotbed of great cafes, restaurants and creative agencies. With The Office Space offering a short-term place to call work; one of the most popular cafes in town; and a new high-end local men’s designer, it’s a great space to set up temporary shop. Now all it needs is a cosy boutique hotel.
Work
The Office Space
69 Reservoir Street.
+61 2 8218 2100.
Offers month-to-month leases for offices spaces for one to six people, and hot-desks that can be rented on a daily basis. Can also act as a virtual office, with call answering and postal services. Amenities include: meeting spaces, board rooms for six to 14 people and a gorgeous rooftop terrace. Rent includes internet, use of meeting rooms, reception and some very slick furniture.
Website
Shop
The Cloakroom
47 Reservoir Street.
+61 2 9212 0029.
This new (opened 1 September) shop has been intriguing passersby for the past few months, with pictures of beautiful Italian bikes and men in fine suits pasted up in the windows. Now that it is open for business, the concept is not much different – they stock Grenson shoes, a couple of Parisian men’s fragrances, hats from a Brisbane-based milliner and their in-house ready-to-wear collection, Pistols at Dawn. You will often find fine bikes on display – such as the red-hot Cinelli Supercorsa (pictured in our image gallery) on loan from bike shop Sable and Argent (85 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo. +61 2 9357 4699). They also provide a custom-made clothing service. In Brisbane: Suite 220, 180 Queen Street. + 61 7 3210 1515.
Website
Powermedia
91 Reservoir Street.
+61 2 9280 2333.
If you can’t make it up to the massive Mac Store on George Street, this is local best bet. They have a broad range of computers and accessories, as well as service staff. Open Saturdays.
Published Art
2/23-33 Mary Street, corner Mary and Reservoir Streets.
+61 2 9280 2839.
A pretty little shop that specialises in design and architecture-related books. If they haven’t got something you are looking for, they will do their best to help you find it.
Website
Eat
Bangbang
113 Reservoir Street.
+61 2 9281 0018.
Another newish addition to the street (opened June), Bangbang specialises in comforting British fare, such as Welsh rarebit or Scottish Breakfast complete with black pudding. The coffee is Campos, bread Sonoma, soy milk Bonsoy, and eggs and chicken free range. Open Monday to Friday 8-4 and on Saturdays for breakfast until 2pm.
Single Origin
60-64 Reservoir Street.
+61 2 9211 0665.
Innovative, lively – and always busy. Co-owner Gavin has been know to throw impromptu morning parties with live gypsy bands or hand out Camparis to tired looking patrons. Fun and flash aside, the coffee and breakfasts are seriously good, which is the main reason tables are coveted.
Website
Sugarcane
40A Reservoir Street.
+61 2 9281 1788.
Former Longrain chefs Milan Strbac and Kitsana Aunarerom serve up some of the best beef Rendang curry in town, and roti that parallels that of Mamak’s (15 Goulburn Street, +61 2 9211 1668). The food takes a modern Asian/fusion approach and, like the plain white walls and minimalist furniture, is light and fresh. Great to impress for a business lunch or dinner.
Website
Groom
Wildlife
50 Reservoir Street.
+61 2 9211 4940.
Apart from their coveted cuts, the staff are happy to provide mini “how-to” sessions for hair troubles. In stock: GHD, Evo and Goldwell products. Headed-up by Jane Wild, Hair Expo 2008 and 2004 Australian Hairdressing Awards Australian Hairdresser of the Year.
Website
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